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Isoproterenol

Prescription

Non-Selective Beta Adrenergic Agonist

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

1 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Non-selective beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic agonist with no alpha activity. Increases heart rate, contractility, and conduction velocity (positive chronotropy, inotropy, dromotropy) and causes bronchodilation and vasodilation.

At a glance

Class

Non-Selective Beta Adrenergic Agonist

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature; protect from light; discard if pink or brown (oxidized)

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for complete (third-degree) AV block as bridge to pacemaker placement, refr

Dose

0.04–0.08 mcg/kg

Route

IV CRI

Frequency

Continuous infusion

🐈

Cat

Same indications as dogs

Dose

0.04–0.08 mcg/kg

Route

IV CRI

Frequency

Continuous

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature; protect from light; discard if pink or brown (oxidized)

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Continuous ECGHeart rate (target increase 30–40% from baseline)Blood pressureSigns of arrhythmia

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Propranolol

contraindicated

Non-selective beta-blocker completely antagonizes isoproterenol's beta-1 and beta-2 effects, rendering it therapeutically useless.

Management: NEVER combine. If patient on propranolol develops complete heart block requiring isoproterenol, propranolol must be discontinued first or glucagon used as bridge.

Major — 1

Digoxin

major

Isoproterenol increases myocardial excitability and automaticity. In digitalized myocardium, this greatly increases risk of fatal ventricular arrhythmias.

Management: Use extreme caution. If isoproterenol needed in patient on digoxin, continuous ECG monitoring mandatory. Consider temporary pacing instead.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Isuprel

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Isoproterenol?

Isoproterenol is a non-selective beta adrenergic agonist used in pets. Non-selective beta-1 and beta-2 adrenergic agonist with no alpha activity. Increases heart rate, contractility, and conduction velocity (positive chronotropy, inotropy, dromotropy) and causes bronchodilation and vasodilation.

›What is Isoproterenol used for in pets?

Isoproterenol is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for complete (third-degree) AV block as bridge to pacemaker placement, refr; Same indications as dogs.

›What is the Isoproterenol dose for dogs?

For dogs, Isoproterenol is typically dosed as follows — Used for complete (third-degree) AV block as bridge to pacemaker placement, refr: 0.04–0.08 mcg/kg IV CRI Continuous infusion. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Isoproterenol dose for cats?

For cats, Isoproterenol is typically dosed as follows — Same indications as dogs: 0.04–0.08 mcg/kg IV CRI Continuous. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Isoproterenol need a prescription?

Yes. Isoproterenol is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database